Izmir Metropolitan Municipality´s catamaran ferries made of carbon material were demonstrated to the visitors with a special ceremony held in Özata Shipyard.

Mr. Aziz KOCAOĞLU, Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor, and County Council President and Members, Head of the Port, President of Chamber of Shipping, and President of Chamber of Ship Engineers participated in the ceremony held at Özata Shipyard that won the contract for 15 fast ferries held by Izmir Metropolitan Municipality in June last year, and continuing the process of manufacturing.

Initially, a briefing was made via video and presentation about the manufacturing process of the fast ferries until today. Mr. Özdemir ATASEVEN, Özata Shipyard´s Chairman of Board of Directors, gave detailed information about the part of fast ferries completed by this time.

Mr. ATASEVEN said: "I would like to state that our design and production we mentioned were controlled and approved by the Norwegian Lloyd DNV.

DNV is the only class organization having worldwide experience on such ships. The whole production is carried out under their control and supervision. The project´s progress to date has also been controlled and it continues in compliance with the procedure."

He also stated that they place emphasis on shipyard infrastructure. "An investment of 9 million dollars is in question with the commencement of the project, and there will be an investment of 18 million dollars until the completion of the project."

Mr. Aziz KOCAOĞLU, Mayor of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, also made a speech at the ceremony. "We, along with 4 million fellow townsman in the bay, will provide a comfortable and fast transportation for the visitors of Izmir, and are extremely glad to support Turkish ship industry to reach the upper segment", said Kocaoğlu. "This project does not only consist of the purchase of 15 ships, it has also many yields. I am also extremely happy to contribute to this project as the mayor."

Mr. Kocaoğlu and his Committee observing the production process of the ferries manufactured in Özata Shipyard, and being the first of their kinds in Turkey left the shipyard with satisfaction.

As the manufacturing process of the ferries continues rapidly, the first ship will be launched on January 30, 2014 and the ferries will be delivered in 90-day intervals.